NATS Bootcamp: Get Your Marching Orders Laggy & ”Lagless” Platforms, Audio Equipment, and Emergent Solutions

Nicholas Perna, DMA Allen Henderson, DMA Joshua D. Glasner, M.M., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Voice Pedagogy Executive Director Assistant Professor of Music Mississippi College National Association of Teachers Clarke University of Singing NATS Bootcamp

Here’s the Plan!

• Big Picture • Internet Connection Type • Laggy Platforms • Low Latency Platforms • Equipment Needs • Wrap up!

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

First Things First: • Truths that change (constantly) • Providing options at varied and reasonable price points • Anecdote vs. Evidence • No financial interests or conflicts • Our team: Howell-New England Conservatory Gautereaux-New England Conservatory Ballentyne-Stetson University Glasner-Clarke University Perna-Mississippi College

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Everything costs something…

Time Time & Money

Money

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Step One: Ethernet Connection Why? • Stability • Learn your router • Type of cable

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Laggy Platforms: Why change?

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Laggy Platforms: • Cleanfeed • Only teacher needs subscription (Pro = $22, Regular = free) • Mac OS, Windows, Android can host or guest, iOS can guest • Source-Connect Now • Only teacher needs account (In beta = free for all) • Mac OS or Windows

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Laggy Platforms Lesson Setup: • Consider Jitsi Meet (Mute Audio) • https://meet.jit.si/ • WebRTC • Doesn’t mix video, sends peer-to-peer • Connect to Cleanfeed for audio

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs Online TeachingNATS Technology Bootcamp

What is a ”low-latency” audio platform? • Some current options

Jamulus

JamKazam

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs Online TeachingNATS Technology Bootcamp

Or perhaps you’d like to have the potential for ensembles? Credit: NEC Prep Jazz Faculty Quartet

https://bit.ly/31xGMJs

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs Online TeachingNATS Technology Bootcamp

What does Soundjack cost? • No $ for the service itself.

• But likely a little bit of TIME.

• May have to buy tech.

• Soundjack user guide: https://www.ianhowellcountertenor.com/soundjack- real-time-online-music

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs Online TeachingNATS Technology Bootcamp What does Soundjack look like?

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs Online TeachingNATS Technology Bootcamp

What about all this router stuff? • If you are on campus LAN (local area network), no network configuration • If you are remote • Access router admin • Set QoS/Device Prioritization • Port Forward one port

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs Online TeachingNATS Technology Bootcamp

What tech do you absolutely need? • Harder to answer and situation dependent • Soundjack works on Mac OS, Windows, or Linux • Computer (Low cost replacement options: $350 for FMB) • Low-latency audio interface (Start at $99) • Microphone (Could start as low as $25) • Takeaway: This is possible for around $500 per person assuming you have absolutely no equipment already.

…AND, there is no ongoing subscription cost.

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Equipment Needs: • What is the purpose of your recording? • Varying needs • Which model is not so important. • Look at the specifications.

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Internal or External Hardware?

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Audio Interfaces: Why do I need one? • Provide power (phantom power) to condenser microphones. • XLR mics • Easily adjust gain • Lower signal-to-noise ratio • Larger dynamic range

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Audio Interfaces (Specifications): • Number of inputs/outputs • Frequency Response • Dynamic Range (also bit rate) • Signal-to-Noise Ratio • Latency • OS Compatibility

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Microphones:

Capsule/Diaphragm VS. Type

USB or XLR

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Headphones: • Individual needs (i.e. Every head is different!) • Echo Cancellation • Lombard Effect (Kind of) • Surrounding Distractions  • Frequency Response • Individual hearing/HRTF • > 60 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) • Noise Cancellation

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs NATS Bootcamp

Wrapping it up! • Look at the specs of any tech you buy. • An audio interface will almost always result in better quality recordings and lower latency than USB mics. • It is possible right now to have high fidelity voice lessons for free. • All tech decisions should be considered in combination with your goals.

Connection Laggy Low-Latency Equipment Introduction Conclusion Type Platforms Platforms Needs